The Culture of Jh lowers from Seeds 



Immediately the thumb pots are filled with roots, shift to a larger 

 size, and it is important that this operation should not be delayed a 

 day too long. To the practised eye the alteration of the colour of 

 the leaves to a pale green is a sufficient intimation that starvation 

 has commenced, and that prompt action is necessary to save the 

 plants. It is the custom of some growers to transfer at once to the 

 size in which they are intended to bloom. There is, however, some 

 danger to the inexperienced in over-potting, and therefore we advise 

 one intermediate shift. As a rule 32-size pots are large enough, but 

 the 24- or even the i6-size is allowable when very fine specimens are 

 required. The plants should be in their final pots not later than the 

 end of November. 



It will help to harden and establish the plants if they are placed 

 in the open air during August and September. A north border 

 under the shelter of a wall or building is the most suitable spot, 

 but avoid a hedge of any kind. Clear away suckers, and if 

 many buds are presented, every third one may be removed 

 when very fine blooms are wanted. From the first appearance 

 of the buds, manure water can be given with advantage once or 

 twice a week until the flowers show colour, and then it should be 

 discontinued. 



Although Cinerarias are thrifty plants, they are fastidious about 

 trifles. If possible give them new pots, or see that old ones are made 

 scrupulously clean. Even hard water will retard free growth, often- 

 times to the perplexity of the cultivator. 



A host of enemies attack Cinerarias ; indeed, there is scarcely a 

 pest known to the greenhouse but finds a congenial home upon this 

 plant. Mildew is more common in some seasons than in others. As 

 a rule it appears during July and August, especially after insufficient 

 ventilation, or when the plants have been left too long in one place 

 or too near to each other. Obviously weakness invites attack, and 

 the necessity of robust and vigorous growth is thus effectually taught. 

 On the first appearance of a curled leaf, dust the foliage and soil with 

 sulphur, and give no water overhead until a cure has been effected. 

 The aphis is easily killed by a dense cloud of tobacco smoke ad- 

 ministered on a quiet night. For this operation the leaves should be 

 quite dry, and when the house is well filled with smoke, remove the 

 embers. Attention to these points will save the plants from being 

 scorched. Some gardeners find it difficult to avoid injuring the 

 plants when tobacco smoke is employed, and they prefer to give an 

 hour or two once a week to the removal of the pest by means of a 



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